Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet on playing Super League fixture at Dewsbury
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS and Wigan Warriors will be playing at the home of Dewsbury Rams on Saturday, with the John Smith’s Stadium hosting a live Stereophonics concert on the same day.
But Wigan head coach Matt Peet says he has no qualms about making the trip to the FLAIR Stadium.
“It’s quite similar to our training field. Some weeks we do go on the field at our stadium but that isn’t an option this week anyway,” Peet said.
“The Dewsbury pitch is comparable to our training field and it’s comparable to the game we played over in Las Vegas.
“It’s different but it’s not brand new for us.
“I think we knew about this at the start of the season and we are all for it.
“We like the thought of playing somewhere different and you have to embrace these opportunities.”
Peet almost has a full squad to choose from, but that will not include forward Luke Thompson who is still suffering with rib issues.
“Luke is still in a little bit of pain, he could play at a push but whether we decide to take that step we will decide later,” said Peet.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has expressed his excitement and sense of responsibility ahead of the club’s upcoming Super League fixture being played at Dewsbury’s FLAIR Stadium.
With the DW Stadium temporarily unavailable, Wigan will face off against the London Broncos in West Yorkshire — a rare move that has drawn attention from fans and rugby league insiders alike. Peet, however, sees the switch not as a disruption but as an opportunity.
“We’re very grateful to Dewsbury Rams for hosting us,” said Peet. “It’s a ground with a lot of history and a loyal rugby league following. It gives us a chance to connect with supporters in a different part of the region and hopefully inspire a few new ones too.”
While some have raised concerns about pitch conditions and capacity, Peet was quick to downplay any potential drawbacks.
“The surface has been well looked after, and the facilities are solid. Obviously, it’s not the DW, but the players are focused and adaptable. It’s still a Super League game and our standards won’t change.”
The fixture is expected to bring a unique atmosphere, with a smaller but potentially more intense crowd than usual. Peet believes that could play into Wigan’s hands.
“Sometimes a more compact crowd can create a special kind of energy,” he said. “We’ll feed off that and use it to push ourselves.”
Peet also acknowledged the logistical challenges but praised the club’s staff for making the transition smooth.
“Our backroom team has worked incredibly hard to ensure everything is in place. We’re treating this like any other big game.”
